Running a BMX Shop during the pandemic: Powers BMX Shop (USA)

Dec 26, 2020

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2876 times

Shop name: Powers BMX Shop
Location: 3119 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, VA 23231, USA.
Years in business: 16
Best year yet: Every year gets better and better
Worst year yet: Will be when people stop riding BMX

What were your first thoughts on Covid-19 when it hit?
Chad Powers: I freaked out! Told the dudes we were all working a rotating schedule and if they wanted to file unemployment then to do so. That only lasted about a week.

Did you take any action from the start or were you thinking this would be over in a few weeks?
Chad Powers: We took action kind of from the start. Especially once the lock down hit and was like many, hoping it would only be a few weeks...

Now, being in this situation for many months, how did you manage to keep your business rolling?
Chad Powers: Trying to be business as usual as much as possible.

The supply chain has also suffered. Has it been a challenge getting the bikes/product in stock that you needed for your customers?
Chad Powers: Ughhh man this is the worst! We have sold completely out of 20” BMX bikes so many times this year. We were out of tubes at one point.. Sucks but what can we do but wait?

Have you been able to keep your shop open all this time?
Chad Powers: Yes we have been very fortunate that in VA bicycle shops are essential!

If so, what are measures you had to take to keep the door open?
Chad Powers: We have been buying any and as much inventory as possible! The new building has made that way easier with the space to house it!

Have internet sales/mail-order sales made up for loss of shop sales?
Chad Powers: Sales are up across the board! and we are super thankful.

During the pandemic has it been difficult to organize local events to support the local scene and get the customers in the shop?
Chad Powers: Yeah we have not done any events this year! No races or parking lot events!

What mouth masks do you sell?
Chad Powers: S&M and Odyssey!

What are the plans for the shop for the coming months?
Chad Powers: We just moved locations in November so we are still settling in! Next few months plan is to get the BMX museum set up and dialed in!

Thanks to?
Chad Powers: The manufacturers and distros that have stood behind and fully supported the bike shops thru these times! And huge thanks to the dudes at the shop! Donnie, Curtis, Jojo, Brandon and my dog pedals!